I’ve launched 24 projects (here is the proof johnrush.me).
None of my projects is making millions a month, but many of them make over $1k a month, some do over $10k, and few do even more.
I’d not recommend anyone to start by trying to build a unicorn. Better start simple. Aim for $2-4k a month first. Once you get there, either scale it or start a new project with large TAM.
From my own experience, the 26 Ways to Make Money as a Startup Founder:
One-Feature SaaS.
Extract a feature from a popular tool and build a micro SaaS around it.
Idea: A SaaS that only offers automated email follow-ups.
Launchpads.
Develop a launch platform for a specific industry. Idea: A launchpad for growth tools.
SEO Tools.
Create a tool that focuses on a single aspect of SEO.
Idea: A tool that generates alt texts for images.
Productized Services.
Offer standardized services that are repeatable. Idea: design, coding or social media management.
Marketplace Platforms.
Create a platform that connects buyers and sellers, earning transaction fees.
Idea: An online marketplace for domains.
Membership Sites.
A subscription-based site with exclusive content. Idea: A founder 0-to-1 site.
White Labeling.
A product that other businesses can rebrand as their own.
Idea: A white-labeled website builder.
Selling Data.
Provide anonymized data insights to companies.
Idea: Selling user behavior data.
Affiliate Marketing.
Promote products/services and earn commissions on sales. Idea: Recommending hosting services on a tech blog.
Selling Leads.
Generate and sell business leads.
Idea: Selling leads who raised a fresh seed round.
Niche Social Networks.
Create a paid community around a specific interest. Idea: A network for SEO experts.
Sell Domains.
Buy and sell domain names for profit.
Virtual Products.
Sell digital products like templates or graphics.
Idea: Website themes for nextjs or boilerplates.
On-Demand Services.
Build a platform for gigs like delivery or tutoring. Idea: An app for freelance tutors.
Niche Job Boards.
Start a job board focused on a specific industry.
Idea: A job board for remote tech jobs.
Crowdsourced Content.
Create a user-generated content platform and monetize through ads.
Idea: Site to share startup hacks.
Buy and Flip Businesses.
Purchase underperforming businesses, improve them, and sell for profit. Idea: Acquiring a low-traffic blog, optimizing it, and selling.
AI-Powered agents.
Develop AI tools that solve specific business problems. Idea: An AI tool that automates customer support.
Microservices.
Offer small, specialized tools, sdks or APIs.
Idea: An api for currency conversion.
Influencer Platforms.
Create a platform connecting influencers with brands.
Idea: Connect AI influencers with AI founders.
Niche Directories.
Build a paid directory for a specific industry.
Idea: A directory of developers who can train models.
E-Learning Platforms.
Build a platform for educators to sell courses.
Idea: A site where AI experts sell AI courses.
Virtual assistants.
Hire them and sell on subscription.
No-Code Tools.
Create tools that allow non-technical users to build things.
Idea: A no-code website builder for bakeries.
Labor arbitrage.
Idea: Connect support agents from Portugal with US clients and charge commission.
